OPEI Wins In California On Above 25 HP Rule
Alexandria, VA October 1998 - The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) is pleased to announce that an industry-negotiated agreement has been reached with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) that will avert costly regulations. This new agreement as part of a CARB rule which was accepted by an October 22,1998 vote of the CARB Board, will ensure that engines in the 25 horsepower to 35 horsepower range will not be subject to CARB's proposed stringent standards requiring catalysts and electronic fuel controls. These engines are used in a variety of equipment manufactured by OPEI member companies including consumer and commercial products. Accordingly, these companies will save millions of dollars in compliance costs due to this new agreement.
Early in 1998, CARB has proposed the oneous large spark ignition rule (LSI) that would have applied to all off-road spark ignition (gasoline) engines of 25HP and above. However, most of the engines in this category are in the 50HP and above range and are derived from automotive technology that would more easily adapt to such treatments as catalysts and electronic fuel contols. (These power such equipment as forklifts and other industrial products.) Had this proposed rule been adapted, though, it would have had an adverse impact on manufacturers of the smaller engines in this category -- those in the 25HP to 35 HP range that power both consumer and commercial lawn and garden equipment. This proposed rule would have required these small engine manufacturers to add electronic fuel controls and catalysts; would have doubled the costs of existing engines (by adding more than $800 per engine in compliance costs); and would have required original equipment manufacturers (OEM's) to become directly subject to certifying products in which the OEM installs the exhaust system. Additionally, had this regulation gone into effect in California other states could have "opted in" which would have increased cost to industry manufacturers even further. However, another important part of this victory is that the opposite is expected: the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is expected to follow CARB's direction in this matter, meaning that the favorable impact of this decision is not limited to California.
OPEI's successful strategy in dealing with CARB was the result of a year long effort by OPEI staff, counsel and membership in which separate requirements for engines below approximately 35HP were established. As a result of these OPEI initiatives all engines below 35HP will be subject to the exact same emissions standards and certification requirements set forth in CARB's existing "below 25HP" regulations. These are the engines that are used in a majority of industry's equipment.
This positive step on emissions, with the help and cooperation of the Engine Manufacturers Association could never have taken place without the continued financial and personnel support of the OPEI membership.
OPEI is a trade association whose membership is primarily composed of U.S. manufacturers of lawn and garden maintenance products, components and attachment supplies, as well as industry related services. OPEI's domestic members manufacture in excess of 95% of the U.S. consumer retail market for gas and electric powered lawn and garden maintenance products.
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Copyright © 1999 Outdoor Power Equipment Institute.